The following is the June 11 edition of Cultural Capital, an arts and entertainment newsletter written by Abridged contributor Chris Macias. Want it sent directly to your inbox? Sign up here.
The Sacramento area is most definitely showing up for arts and culture. I was stoked to hear that both “Capital City Surf Clash III” and the DOCO Summer Makers Market, which were each featured last week in Cultural Capital, were met with bustling crowds. Though it’s tempting to park at home underneath a blasting air conditioner as summer hits, it’s great to see locals supporting our artists and vendors.
So, let’s keep it going. This week we have a solo exhibition from a legendary force on the local arts scene, a show from one of rock ‘n’ roll’s ultimate songwriters, a cherished community celebration, an ultimate gathering of zines and more.
Grab a cold water bottle and let’s go!
Want to discover more events across the Sacramento region? Check out Abridged by PBS KVIE’s new searchable events calendar.
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In your inbox every Thursday, Abridged's entertainment newsletter from Chris Macias highlights things to do in the Sacramento region.
Dive into blue with a maestro of Sacramento arts
The details:
- Latino Center of Arts and Culture, 2700 Front St., Sacramento
- 6 p.m., June 12 opening reception (Friday)
- Free entry
Stan Padilla is respected as one of the region’s most respected elders of the artistic community. At 80 years old, this fount of creativity and wisdom shows no signs of slowing down. He’s spent the last few years traveling around the planet, gathering inspiration from such lands as Italy, Mexico and Egypt. In between, Padilla’s had a busy year with 50th anniversary celebrations of the Royal Chicano Air Force, the art collective in which he is a core member.
Now, a show that Padilla’s been conceptualizing for a decade comes to light with Friday’s opening of “Caminos Mundiales” (“Global Roads”) at the Latino Center of Arts and Culture. It’s a multimedia adventure through Padilla’s paintings, stained glass works, photography and videos.
“This is a new offering and it’s different than people are going to expect,” said Padilla, in a call from his Colfax home. “It’s more like a travelogue. I’m bringing all the results of all my travels back to show in Sacramento.”
The show carries a theme of “In Search of the Color Blue.” Padilla said it represents his journeys to gather blue pigments from around the world, such as Maya Blue and Egyptian Blue. Along with blue lighting and the color blue spotlighted in many of the works, Padilla says the show will feel more like stepping into a temple than an art exhibition.
“Blue has always been a very sacred color in all ancient cultures,” Padilla said. “It’s always shown reverence and sacredness … It’s a sense of the presence of our lives. That’s what blue gives us.”
Along with the upcoming show, Padilla is rebuilding after a fallen oak tree crushed his home studio during recent windstorms. Thankfully, he didn’t lose much artwork. The community has also stepped up to help Padilla during this trying time.
“I have to keep going,” Padilla said. “I’m healthy and I’m thankful.”
Chill out with Bob Dylan
The details:
- The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino Resort, 1200 Athens Ave., Lincoln
- 8 p.m., June 12 (Friday)
- $109.45-$249.95
The last time I saw Bob Dylan was in 2025 on a scorching day at the Toyota Amphitheatre near Marysville. Of course, the ever-enigmatic Dylan came to the stage wearing a thick ski cap and played like he never broke a sweat.
The thought of seeing Dylan under air conditioning on Friday is tempting alone. At 85, the iconic songwriter is on the road with a set of deep cuts and classic tunes that morph so many ways on a given night. Get to The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino Resort on Friday to see how it all goes down from this living legend.
Celebrate freedom in West Sacramento
The details:
- Bridgeway Lakes Community Park, 3650 Southport Parkway, West Sacramento
- 5:30-8:30 p.m., June 12 (Friday)
- Free
Juneteenth will be observed around the country on June 19, the same day in 1865 when 250,000 enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed they were free. On Friday, you can get a head start on the festivities with the city of West Sacramento’s fourth annual Juneteenth celebration.
The free event is all about the joy of community, resilience and justice for all. Bring the family for an evening of music, dance performances, art demonstrations and more. Note that a tote bag and $10 food truck voucher go to the first 200 attendees.
A timeless collection of zines
The details:
- Timeless Thrills Gallery, 3714 J St., Sacramento
- 12-6 p.m., June 13 (Saturday)
- Free entry
Back in April, Cultural Capital spotlighted the opening of “Between Worlds,” a group photo exhibition at Timeless Thrills Gallery. It all comes to an epic close on Saturday with the ninth annual Zine Megamall, where Timeless Thrills will be filled with tables of fantastic zines.
We’re especially looking forward to photo zines from the Nighted crew, who are presenting the event, along with Chip Parker and Claire Evans from Fresno. On the literary front, definitely check what Sacramento author José Vadi is slanging, including a zine dedicated to the post-hardcore icons Fugazi.
Sacramento Pride festival comes to Capitol Mall
The details:
- Capitol Mall, Sacramento
- 1-7 p.m., June 13 (Saturday) and 12-5 p.m., June 14 (Sunday)
- $24.14-$200.03
Sacramento Pride Weekend, a June fixture since 1979, is back this Saturday and Sunday on Capitol Mall. Organized by the Sacramento LGBT Community Center, it’s expected to draw more than 20,000 people to Downtown Sacramento across the two days. Come out for live music, drag shows and the free-to-attend march, which begins at 11 a.m. at Southside Park on Sunday.
More events you won’t want to miss
- Catch a production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” at Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom from June 12-14.
- Mosh ’til you drop at the album release show for hardcore punkers Eyes Out with Riot Radio at Limelight Bar & Cafe in East Sacramento on June 12.
- Live jazz with The Templetons at Blue Note Brewing Co. in Woodland on June 13.
- Take an Afro-Caribbean movement and meditation class on second Sundays at All City Homes in Sacramento’s North Oak Park neighborhood starting June 14.
Before I go,
Thanks again for reading and all the great tips. Summer is kicking in and we’ve got a busy few months ahead so stay tuned. Keep in touch at christo916@gmail.com and we’ll see you next Thursday. Cheers!
Chris Macias is a regular contributor, writing Cultural Capital for Abridged.